The essentials

What you need to get started

Not a 40-item shopping list. Just the handful of things that actually matter before your first real homeschool day, each pointing to a free Scout tool that does the heavy lifting. You do not need all of it perfect. You need the first one done and the rest started.

Want this as a guided, checkable plan? The First 90 Days on-ramp walks you through the same path tuned to your state, with boxes to tick as you go.
  1. 01

    Your state's rules, and your notice filed

    This is the only part with legal weight, so do it first and then relax. Find your state, read the plain-language requirements, and file the notice or letter of intent if yours requires one. We give you the ordered steps and a letter template free, no login.

    Find your state's lawAm I on track?

  2. 02

    Permission to deschool

    You do not need to recreate school at the kitchen table on day one, and pushing hard too early usually backfires. Give your family a stretch to decompress and notice what your child is actually curious about. This is normal and expected, not falling behind.

    The First 90 Days on-rampDeschooling

  3. 03

    An approach that fits your real family

    Classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, unschooling, eclectic. There is no single right one, only the one that fits your child and your week. Get a feel for the styles before you spend a dollar.

    Explore homeschool stylesTake the quiz

  4. 04

    One curriculum to start (you can change later)

    The goal this week is to get your child into something well-matched, not to find the perfect program. Narrow it down honestly, compare your finalists side by side, then pick one. Curriculum is a tool, not a vow.

    Curriculum decision helperCompare side by sideBrowse the directory

  5. 05

    A simple way to keep records

    Most states ask for little, but your future self (and any college) will thank you for a light paper trail. Set up an easy attendance, reading, and work-sample habit now so year-end is not a scramble.

    Records toolkitPlan your year

  6. 06

    Your people

    Homeschooling does not mean doing it alone. Find families near you, real-world events and field trips, and one-on-one experts when you want to go deeper in a subject.

    Community mapEvents & field tripsBuild your team

  7. 07

    Your confidence

    The hardest part is not curriculum, it is the worry. When the doubts hit (am I doing enough? what about socialization?), we have honest, evidence-based answers instead of slogans.

    Am I doing enough?But what about socialization?

That is genuinely it. Everything else is detail you can grow into. When the doubts creep back, come back to this list, do the next thing, and trust that a calm small day still counts.

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